In the OSI reference model, each layer provides some service or action that prepares the data for delivery over the network to another computer Interfaces are boundaries that separate the layers from each other
are intermediaries between two components or tools or between the user and the machine SNiFF+ uses interfaces to interact with the outside world and external tools A SNiFF+ interface can have multiple specific implementations called adaptors For example, the generic CMVC interface of SNiFF+ has adaptors for CMVC tools The SNiFF+ debugger interface has adaptors for debuggers like gdb and dbx
One or more well-defined base classes providing member functions that, when implemented in an application, provide a specific service Interfaces may include compiled support functions to simplify their implementation
Logical entities that represent sources and destinations for packets The router routes packets between interfaces not between devices Some devices can support multiple interfaces Every interface must use at least one device to physically transport packets